TRAGIC KIDNAPPING AND MANSLAUGHTER IN KINGS HEATH: LOUISE BARLEY AND CRAIG LEWIS'S HORRIFIC CRIME REVEALED

In a heartbreaking case that has shocked the community of Kings Heath, Birmingham, a young toddler named Kieron Barley lost his life due to the brutal actions of his mother, Louise Barley, aged 26, and her partner, Craig Lewis, aged 32. The tragic events unfolded over a period of weeks, revealing a disturbing pattern of neglect and violence that ultimately culminated in Kieron’s death.

Louise Barley and Craig Lewis were both brought before the court to face serious charges related to the death of the 22-month-old boy. Louise was sentenced to 15 months in prison for child cruelty, while Craig Lewis received a significantly harsher sentence of eight years for manslaughter. Both individuals had previously admitted to the charges during an earlier hearing, acknowledging their roles in the devastating incident.

The incident took place at a residence on Denshaw Road in Kings Heath, Birmingham, where Kieron was living at the time. The post-mortem examination revealed that the young child had suffered two critical injuries in the final weeks of his life. The first was a spinal fracture, which had occurred approximately three weeks before his death, and the second was a severe brain injury sustained in the days immediately preceding his passing. These injuries pointed to a pattern of ongoing abuse and neglect.

Craig Lewis claimed that Kieron, who had developmental difficulties, had fallen forward while attempting to walk in May 2011. However, this explanation was met with skepticism, especially considering the subsequent injuries. Just three weeks after this alleged fall, Kieron was admitted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital after he stopped breathing while in the bath. MRI scans conducted during this hospital visit revealed serious brain and head injuries, which the court heard were likely caused by shaking or some form of assault.

Detective Chief Inspector Dawn Miskella from the West Midlands Police public protection unit described the case as deeply upsetting. She stated, “This was a tragic and deeply upsetting case for all concerned. Young Kieron lost his life after Lewis admitted to losing his temper on two occasions and assaulting him. Kieron was sadly let down by those who should have been caring for him.”

Further investigation uncovered that both Louise Barley and Craig Lewis had attempted to conceal the true nature of Kieron’s injuries. They spun a web of lies to hide how the toddler had sustained his injuries and failed to seek proper medical attention after the initial assault. Despite the efforts to cover up the abuse, the truth eventually emerged, and both were held accountable nearly three years after the incidents.

It was also revealed that medical professionals at Birmingham Children’s Hospital had failed to detect the extent of Kieron’s injuries during multiple visits. The hospital staff did not identify the broken back caused by Lewis, who had thrown Kieron to the ground. Louise Barley had lied about how her son was injured, claiming she saw him fall over when she was actually out shopping at the time. Despite being taken to hospital on two additional occasions, doctors did not recognize the severity of Kieron’s injuries, discharging him with a diagnosis of possible gastroenteritis.

The tragic sequence of events culminated on June 19, 2011, when Craig Lewis, in a fit of anger over the mess in their home, attacked Kieron again. Lewis called emergency services claiming that the child had collapsed. Paramedics found Kieron agitated and screaming, and he was rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with severe bleeding on the brain. Sadly, Kieron died three days later. Prosecutor Rachel Brand QC detailed that Lewis told doctors Kieron had fallen and ‘gone all floppy’ when he first called 999 on May 28, 2011.

During the initial hospital visit, Lewis noted abrasions on Kieron’s left shoulder but no fractures were detected on X-ray. Despite this, Kieron was kept in overnight, but Louise Barley falsely claimed that another sibling was being looked after by a relative, and that they needed to leave for work. This lie prevented further investigation at that time. Kieron was brought back to hospital on May 29 and 30 after he was reported to be vomiting and screaming, but doctors again failed to identify the full extent of his injuries. Post-mortem examinations later revealed fractures to two vertebrae, a subdural haemorrhage, and a retina bleed, with the fractures being approximately four weeks old.

The case has prompted a serious review of the hospital’s procedures and response to such injuries, highlighting concerns about missed opportunities to save Kieron’s life. The court’s verdict and sentences serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of neglect and abuse within a family setting, and the community of Kings Heath mourns the loss of a young life that was tragically cut short due to the actions of those entrusted to care for him.